U18 REPORT: LATICS U18 1 – 2 PRESTON NORTH END U18

Latics suffer late defeat to local rivals in the EFL Youth Alliance at Christopher Park on Saturday morning.

Wigan Athletic U18 1 – 2 Preston North End U18.

Latics lose 2-1 despite dominant display and first goal of the season for Anthony Plant.

Latics face Southampton in the FA Youth Cup at the DW Stadium on Wednesday.

Wigan Athletic’s under-18 side kicked off 2017 with a disappointing 2-1 defeat to local rivals Preston North End, in a game in which they had enough chances to have wrapped up the contest by half-time.

Latics played some of their best football of the 2016-17 season to date, with good interplay between midfield and attack, but they were made to pay for not making the most of their opportunities to score as leading goal-scorer Tom Powell had multiple chances when breaking in behind the North End defence, only for his normally reliable finishing to let him down.

Nick Chadwick’s side fell behind three minutes before the break as Melle Meulensteen’s corner fell into the path of Josh Earl, following a spill from goalkeeper Theo Roberts, who fired home.

Latics’ equaliser came just after the hour mark when Matty Taylor crossed from the left for Anthony Plant, who burst forwards on the opposite side to get onto the end of delivery and fire home for 1-1.

Tom Hilton was inches away from two goals from set-pieces, but they fell behind again just ten minutes from time as the pursuit for a winner saw Chadwick’s side lose shape and it was Harry Garstang who took advantage for the visitors.

Latics now host Southampton in the FA Youth Cup on Wednesday evening at the DW Stadium, kick-off 7pm.